2023 Louisville Slugger Select PWR BBCOR Brief Review
So DeMarini is not releasing its The Goods bat in BBCOR line-up.
And with the release of 2023 Select PWR, the wait for the best bat for power hitter is over now.
There is no point in buying the 2022 The goods, due to its serious durability issue.
2023 Louisville Slugger Select PWR is the best end-loaded hybrid bat this year.
2023 Louisville Slugger Select PWR USSSA Brief Review
The Slugger Select PWR USSSA is a great competitor to the 2023 Goods USSSA.
The connection piece on USSSA Select is slightly softer than the BBCOR version, which feels better while mis-hitting.
If you want a Hybrid USSSA bat with slight end-load then Select PWR is a great option. DeMarini The goods is more end-loaded than Select PWR USSSA.
2023 Louisville Slugger Select PWR USA Brief Review
Mostly USA baseball bat players prefer a bat with composite barrel.
But if you want a hybrid bat that is hot out of the wrapper then you should go for it.
The bat is hot right out of the wrapper and has a great amount of pop.
The closest competitor of Select PWR USA is the DeMarini The Goods USA 2023.
Overview
Louisville Slugger has released 2023 Slugger Select PWR. And we know Louisville fans are all geared up to try out this new bat!
So, what can you expect from 2023 Select PWR, how it's going to be better than previous models and should you really invest in the latest addition of the product line?
Let's a have a detailed review!
2023 Louisville Slugger Select PWR Review
Does it feel good in hand or vibrate when mishit?
To give a comfier feel, the 2023 Slugger came with variations. When you first touch the select PWR, you'll feel immensely comfortable it is and how distinctively composite-like it sounds.
This new 2023 model has a small variation in weight distribution and grip feel. Its tweaked barrel shape and Premium LS pro comfort grip have improved in-hand of the bat.
In the BBCOR space, however, the 2023 Marucci CAT X BBCOR got welcoming customer reviews. Comparing the in hand feel, Marucci CAT X has been ranked better than select PWR because of the lighter swing weight.
If we talk about a competitor brand, 2023 Axe Avenge Pro Hybrid BBCOR, virtually eliminates vibrations and gives a stiffer feel than select PWR.
The USSSA market is dominated by DeMarini and Marucci. We noticed Slugger manufacturing less USSSA bats for about 2 years.
Probably that's why Select Select PWR could not attain as much attention as other USSSA bats of the same brand.
But if we just talk about the grip and feel of the bat, then surely Slugger Select PWR gives you an unmatched feel.
The handle's composite grip and vibration-reducing end cover provide a more comfortable feel in hand.
This lightweight bat provides a great feel on holding as well as while swinging.
Its VCX2 Vibration Dampening Connection System limits vibration from reaching a player's hands while also generating a stiff feel between the barrel and handle while swinging.
How is the Performance?
If you are a power hitter with preference for weight and stiffness, this is the bat is for you.
Since it's an end-loaded bat, players get swings with more whip-like motion and hence more power.
2023 Select PWR BBCOR comes with a lighter end-cap compared to 2022. Other than that, there isn't much difference.
Talking about exit velocity, The Altas and Bonesaber Hybrid bats, however, provide a greater exit velocity than the Select PWR BBCOR.
Also, some players had a better experience of high sweet spot on mishits with Marucci CAT X BBCOR.
The bat has been ranked second in performance by many players when compared with Altas and Meta.
This three-piece hybrid bat has an EXD premium alloy barrel for a more prominent sweet spot, allowing batters to control every square inch of the strike zone.
The model is created to enhance barrel control while maximizing barrel performance.
Although Louisville has introduced a new SPD-Gen2 end cap from LS to maximize the barrel performance, it is still not as great as other USSSA baseball bats like the 2023 Marucci CAT X Composite and 2023 DeMarini CF Mashup.
This can be a great choice for hitters who love to enjoy the large sweet spot while making consistent contact.
Young people can experience great power with full display with a bat that is hot out of the wrapper.
If we compare this bat with ADV 360 USA, we see that the balanced and large barrel size of ADV 360 provides better performance.
But finding a sweet spot on the Easton 360 isn't as easy as with Slugger Select PWR USA.
How good is its Construction?
The three-piece hybrid design pairs a strong alloy barrel with a stiff composite handle using the 3FX-PWRTM Connecting System, providing maximum comfort and exit velocities.
The 2023 Select PWR features a greater swing weight to match the strength of the top high school and college hitters, with the weight being spread toward the end of the barrel.
However, the players have experienced more barrel control with 2023 Altas BBCOR than Select PWR BBCOR due to its light swing weight.
The Louisville Slugger 2023 Select PWR USSSA Bat features an enlarged EXD Premium Alloy Barrel.
Its exceptionally large sweet spot makes it the perfect choice for travel ball athletes.
VCX2 Connecting System is used in its three-piece hybrid design to join the sturdy metal barrel and firm composite handle.
This system reduces vibrations and gives utmost comfort while swinging throughout the hitting zone.
Slugger designed this bat, especially for young players. This bat has a 3-piece hybrid construction of Alloy with a composite handle. Its premium alloy barrel gives the player larger and incredibly responsive sweet spots.
Compared with other traditional USA bats models, this is half-inch longer. Its NEW SPD-Gen2 End Cap is designed to increase barrel performance.
Additional features like a Patented elastomeric connection, Pro comfort grip, and balanced swing weight make it a high-performance USA Bat.
These features give the player an extended sweet spot and a good combination of speed and control.
Is it Durable Enough?
The bat is durable enough to give explosive performances to Power hitters.
However, its swing weight is slightly higher, resulting in less barrel control.
As this is an end-loaded bat with great weight at the end compared to 2022 BBCOR, it absorbs shock better so it's more durable.
Select PWR USSSA can also be trusted in this aspect. However 2023 Louisville Slugger Meta, in comparison to this USSSA bat, has better durability regarding the power hits.
Louisville Slugger USA has great durability.
Many professional players have appreciated its durability, which ends up for multiple games and workouts. Select PWR can perform well over several games and sessions.
However, in the comparison of the 2023 Select PWR, the Demarini the Goods comes with quality combination of a sturdy metal barrel and a ParaflexTM Plus Composite handle.
This has enhanced the durability of the alloy barrel and maximized energy transfer while minimizing hand irritation.
Is this bat Value for the money?
BBCOR: This baseball bat costs around $399.95. Its unique PWR Stiff technology makes it stiffer and more powerful than typical BBCOR bats – making it worth $399.95!
But if you are looking for a larger sweet spot and greater exit velocity, 2023 Marucci CAT X Composite will be a better choice. And not to mention, this baseball bat costs even higher.
The competitor brands, Easton and Axe Average both have the same price as that of 2023 Select PWR BBCOR.
USSSA: The USSSA version of the bat has a softer connecting piece for a better feel on mishits in comparison to the BBCOR version.
The price for USSSA drop-5, drop-8, and drop-10 versions is $299.95.
Again you can look for other 2023 USSSA bats, like 2023 Marucci CAT X Composite and the 2023 DeMarini CF Mashup. These will cost you $400 and $350, respectively.
Avenge Pro, USSSA costs $399.99. All of them are surely expensive than Select PWR.
USA: The 2023 Select PWR in the USA drop-10, drop-8, and drop-5 is constructed with all the additional features seen on the BBCOR version of the bat, except the connecting piece, which is the same as found in Meta.
The model is a hybrid bat with a mid-to-lighter swing.
This bat would cost only $299.95. The additional features of this bat surely give true value for the money.
Goods USA would cost you less as compared to the Select PWR 2023 and that is $249.95.
Who is recommended to use this BBCOR bat?
Like other end-loaded bats, these baseball bats are also designed for Power hitters.
The 2023 Slugger Select PWR will give an exceptional experience for those who are looking for the following:
- Larger sweet spot
- Explosive power hits
- Large Exit Velocity
- Easy swings
- Large space to make contact at the plate
2023 Select PWR Vs. 2022 Select PWR
In 2022, only a BBCOR version of the bat was available in Select PWR, They are release in USA and USSSA lineup first time.
Since 2020, the Select PWR had not changed. But Now, in 2023 there are minor changes in construction and design:
- A larger sweet spot with increased power, Louisville introduced the 2023 select PWR with a longer barrel size (2 5/8" Barrel Diameter) compared to the 2022 model. This also resulted in faster swings.
- Upgraded end cap with new (CXN) control technology has been introduced in 2023 Select PWR to increase the bat's performance and provide a better mix of balance and control to baseball players.
- If we talk about the price, then the 2023 Select PWR would cost you a little bit more than the previous models as it has a new design and technology integrated into it.
- Bat efficient and more durable, the 2023 Select PWR has a two-piece design with a composite handle and an alloy barrel. The latest finishing of the bat makes it more attractive and unique in terms of design.
Similar Bats to Compare
2023 Easton Encore Hybrid
2023 Marucci CATX Connect
Final Verdict
Louisville Slugger Select PWR is not a new name in the baseball bats but they used to get released in BBCOR lineup. But this year they've released it in the USSSA and USA as well.
And the Select PWR 2023 is doing great in all of the baseball line-ups it is released.
It is preferred by the power hitters who like to swing a slight end-loaded hybrid bat. These bats come hot out of the box and does not need to be broken-in.
